The new catchword in Nigeria appears to be marginalisation with nearly every ethnic group from all corners of the nation alleging marginalisation by others, even with quota system still in place in almost every sector or level of government. Aside from the efforts of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), how can such agitations be adequately addressed, to allow the country move forward in her development process?

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

* Marginalisation is a vital word used by some Nigerian tribes and ethnic groups and it is being backed up with numerous factors as a result of poor distribution of resources, power sharing, leadership issues, school admission processes, resource control, and all this have to do with lack of sincerity and love for humanity and selflessness of individuals. Some will like to favour another person, because he or she is in power. Even in the agricultural sectors marginalisation occurs. Take for instance in the crop farming, some crops grow up and render other crops useless, stunted growth, because of the good soil nutrients, the viability of the seeds planted, nature or good management e.t.c. While in the animal sector, some animals also face such, eat more and grow faster than the others. Marginalisation has to do with lack of sincerity and love among individuals. It takes God’s grace to tackle marginalisation. The best possible way to tackle this is to strengthen the various existing structure, institutions, like the Federal Character Commission (FCC) among others, and improve on assets declarations, good governance, leadership, transparency, and equitable distribution of wealth.

* Real marginalisation should not be lumped together with perceived marginalisation – this only creates confusion. Yes, granted, lots of groups are screaming marginalisation; what do you say we give extra oomph to the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and ensure it does its work properly?

– Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Abuja

* The first thing to do is for the federal government to harness all the views and recommendations on tackling marginalisation, which are contained in various reports from past relevant national conferences. That should form a sort of baseline survey on the issue and a template for further action and policy decisions. Marginalisation is a delicate and widespread issue; it would require tact and maturity to tackle satisfactorily. The struggle to eschew marginalisation can only be won when there are enough resources to go round and equitable distribution of the revenue accruing from such resources. But at the root of the whole scenario is corruption and its offshoots of nepotism and favouritism. That also has to be tackled urgently, and in Nigeria, anything is possible, even that.

– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

* The simple truth of the matter is that whatever you do to please Nigerians, some groups must complain of marginalisation. So, Nigeria’s problem is in the hands of God to find lasting solution to our marginalisation. Whatever you do to carry everybody along in governance the issue of marginalisation must come up from some groups due to neglect. Nigeria is a complex nation with series of complaints and it is not helping matters over our economy.

– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* Solutions include prudence, employment, power, mopping up small arms, de-centralising power from federal outwards, ensuring good governance from bottom to top, empowering states and local governments, totally grounding corruption, private partnership participation, and tapping various solid minerals in their respective states. Others include pooling mutually agreed percentage of all revenues from local and state governments to fund federal projects, unity, security, love and peace e.t.c.

– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State

* Marginalisation can only be tackled through peaceful restructuring as most past leaders and the general public and citizens are yearning for it.

– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna

* Life is about survival and generational continuity. Elders, elites, leaders e.t.c must protect real youth patriotically to preserve our dear future. Modesty is all we need while we eliminate selfishness, insincerity, avarice, unpatriotism etc. Until we turn a new leaf, we may unfortunately gnash our teeth in avoidable trap of sorrow, tears and blood. It is apt time to invest in the youth to prevent marginalisation issues.

– Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, LagosState

* The people that introduced the quota system and later federal character into our constitution knew what they were doing. In a socio-politically mature society, merit and not quota would be the natural choice for sustainable development. In Nigeria however, quota is absolutely essential to our existence as a country. Shelving merit in favour of quota system is not in line with global best practices but it ensures that we at least have a country. For example, if the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) scores were to be strictly based on merit, at the moment, it would be difficult for candidates of a particular region to gain admission into tertiary institutions. This applies to even those in the universities that are within their region. Fear of domination has always been an issue, even before independence and only strict adherence to our laws concerning quota system can end the agitations brought about by marginalisation at the moment.

– Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State

* The unity of Nigeria would work perfectly well, if our so-called leaders would imbibe the spirit of carrying everybody along over the affairs of the nation; irrespective of party difference, religion, tribe and whatever.

– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State

* I see marginalisation as even worse than colonialism in this generation. It is inhuman, barbaric, full of sectionalism, tribalism, lack of love for humanity and satanic. God has brought us together to love and care for one another but some feel the whole country belongs to them; if not them, then no one else. With that, how can there be development? As always, wrong people are put in all key positions because they are the majority. Enough of this wickedness! Nigeria belongs to all of us!

– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna

THE FEEDBACK

Top tip: Strengthen the Federal Character Commission

Second: Ensure equitable distribution of commonwealth

Third: Adopt & implement previous recommendations

Radical tip: Ground corruption first!

No of respondents: 10

Male: 8

Female: 2

Highest location: Lagos (4)

Next Week:Should the Legislature be Made Part-time in Nigeria?

To reduce corruption, save overall cost of governance and enhance efficiency, some concerned analysts have recommended a part-time Legislature in Nigeria, especially at the federal level; despite the strident opposition of some national lawmakers to the suggestion. To the analysts, lower salaries and allowances for the legislators with reduced number of legislative aides, will attract only the most patriotic and selfless representatives, with no corruption incentives. To you, should the Nigeria Legislature be made part-time, as being practised in around 10 states in the USA (Gold Legislatures) and in nearby Ghana?

Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (July 13 & Monday, July 17) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, July 20

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